MPA Fines Unlicensed Bunker Supplier
By Aiswarya Lakshmi
Thursday, August 27, 2015
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has fined JL Petroleum for supplying marine fuel in the world’s largest bunkering hub without a valid license.
In an announcement on Wednesday, MPA said it brought charges against JL Petroleum for selling bunkers on 14 occasions between 2-25 June 2013.
Additionally, the company used Bunker Delivery Notes belonging to licensed supplier Excel Petroleum Enterprise for its deliveries.
MPA had cancelled Excel Petroleum’s bunker supplier licence on 15 January 2014 for the company’s involvement in this case, as its actions had breached the terms and conditions of the licence.
JL Petroleum was fined for an undisclosed sum, according to the MPA announcement.
All bunker suppliers operating in the Port of Singapore have to obtain a license from the MPA. There are currently 59 licensed bunker suppliers in Singapore, down from around 65 suppliers last year, according to the MPA website.
The bunkering industry is an important and integral part of the Port of Singapore, says a statement.
Any licensee found to have contravened any terms and conditions will have his licence suspended or cancelled. MPA adopts a zero tolerance approach towards bunkering malpractices and will not hesitate to take action against any unlicensed entity operating in the Port of Singapore.